Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Maqam, on Sunday led a huge rally in the federal capital on the occasion of Kashmir Black Day to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Addressing to rally participants here at D Chowk, he reminded the people of October 27, 1947, when Indian forces entered Jammu and Kashmir illegally, stating, “No Pakistani can forget this day.” He honored the courage of Kashmiris who, after 77 years, continued their struggle for self-determination. He highlighted the sacrifices made, with over 97,000 martyrs, countless widows, and orphaned children. The minister expressed disappointment with international human rights organizations, calling on the United Nations to address what he termed as genocide in Kashmir. Engr Amir Maqam urged the UN to fulfill its commitment to resolve the Kashmir issue per its own resolutions, allowing Kashmiris their right to self-determination. He said Pakistan has always been a staunch advocate of this indigenous right of Kashmiris living in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and has always supported them in this just struggle. He stated that recent elections in occupied Kashmir revealed the reality of India’s narrative and urged India to consider this election as a referendum against its rule. Commending Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for raising the Kashmir and Palestine issues at the UN General Assembly in September 2024, Engr Amir Maqam reassured that Pakistan will continue to support Kashmir’s political, diplomatic, and moral cause until Kashmiris achieve their right to self-determination. He also praised Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and all other ministries and departments for their efforts in organising and highlighting this important day. Addressing the rally participants, Chairman Kashmir Committee (KC), Rana Qasim Noon, urged the global institutions to uphold UN resolutions and initiate dialogue with Kashmiris, reiterating that India’s Independence Day is observed as Black Day in Kashmir as a symbol of resistance. He underscored Pakistan's commitment to supporting Kashmir's right to self-determination and appealed for international intervention. "Today, Pakistan observes Black Day across the country, standing in solidarity with Kashmiris," he said, condemning countries that claim to champion human rights but remain silent on Kashmir’s suffering. He highlighted Kashmir's essential place in the fulfillment of Pakistan's vision. Former National Assembly member and head of Pakistan Sweet Home, Zamurd Khan addressed the crowd, emphasizing Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. "This is a message of solidarity from the people of Pakistan," he declared. He praised the sacrifices of elderly Kashmiris who have endured decades of conflict, adding, "Kashmir will one day become part of Pakistan." Deputy Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Farooq Rehmani spoke, condemning the long-standing violence and human rights abuses in Kashmir. He questioned India’s legal basis for occupying Kashmir and highlighted recent election irregularities where foreign diplomats were presented as "media." Rehmani held India responsible for violating United Nations resolutions, noting the continued imprisonment of thousands of Kashmiris, including youth and women, in jails across Srinagar, Agra, and Chandigarh since 2019. Addressing to a Kashmir solidarity rally, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, called upon the youth to play a vital role in keeping the Kashmir cause alive. She emphasized the importance of remembering this day annually, saying, "Every Pakistani stands in solidarity on this day." Mushaal encouraged young Pakistanis to launch campaigns through social media, highlighting that Pakistan's founding leader, Quaid-e-Azam, also placed trust in the power of youth. "You can become our powerful voice today," she stated, urging them to remain steadfast for Kashmir. Reflecting on the resilience of Kashmiris, who have resisted Indian control for 77 years, Mushaal expressed hope for a future celebration of Kashmir's freedom. "May the day come when we can celebrate our victory," she said. She criticized India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, questioning his "bold claims" and stressing that, despite all attempts, Kashmiris remain defiant. Highlighting the struggles of prominent Kashmiri leaders, she said that even leaders like Maqbool Bhat were denied proper funerals as part of efforts to suppress the Kashmiri spirit. Mushaal Malik appealed to the youth to commit to a continuous struggle and become the voice of Kashmiris in every possible way, reinforcing their resilience and amplifying their message globally. Parliamentary Secretary Foreign Affairs Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal, Parliamentry Secretary Kashmir Affairs Anwarul Haq Chaudhry and Sweet Home Patron in Chief Zamurd Khan also addressed the participants and urged the UN to fulfil it's commitment to resolve the Kastmir issue per its own resolutions. MNA Sardar Yusuf, MNA Fatehullah Miankhail, MNA Anjum Aqeel and others also attended the rally. The rally was also attended by a large number of people including students of various schools and from different walks of life. *-*-*-* ?
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